Do daytime running lights come on automatically?
Most new cars automatically illuminate daytime running lights (DRLs) when the engine or ignition is on, but there are exceptions. Depending on the model and region, DRLs may be automatic, optional, or rely on an integrated auto-headlight system.
What daytime running lights are and how they work
Daytime running lights are low-intensity forward-facing lamps designed to improve daytime visibility for other drivers and pedestrians. They are typically separate from full headlights and are controlled by the vehicle’s electrical system. In modern cars, DRLs are often automatic, but the exact behavior depends on the model and the market.
Common ways DRLs operate in today’s vehicles include:
- Automatic ignition-on DRLs: DRLs illuminate as soon as the engine is started or the ignition is set to Run, without any action from the driver.
- Auto-headlight integration: In many cars, the DRLs are part of an auto-headlight system that uses ambient light sensors to decide when to switch to full headlights or keep DRLs on during daylight.
- Manual DRL control: A minority of models offer a dedicated switch or menu option to enable or disable DRLs, or to choose between DRLs and full headlights.
- Dedicated DRL lamps: Some vehicles use separate daytime running lamps (often LEDs) that stay on during the day even if the main headlights are off or on low beam.
In practice, DRLs are designed to operate automatically in most new cars, but it’s wise to check your owner’s manual or the vehicle’s settings to confirm exactly how DRLs behave for your model.
Regional and regulatory context
Regulations and industry norms shape whether DRLs come on by default and how they behave. In many regions, DRLs are standard or mandatory on new cars, while in others they are offered as an option or integrated with automatic headlight systems rather than as stand-alone DRLs.
Examples of how DRLs are typically implemented by region:
- European Union and many countries require or widely standardize daytime running lights on new cars, with automatic activation tied to engine/ignition status.
- Canada mandates DRLs on most new vehicles, making automatic daytime illumination common in this market.
- The United States does not have a universal federal DRL mandate; many vehicles include DRLs or auto-headlight features, but some models rely on manual control or automatic headlights rather than dedicated DRLs.
- Other regions vary by national rules and manufacturer practices, but the trend in 2020s–2025 remains toward automatic DRL functionality in new vehicles.
As with consumer electronics, you should verify DRL behavior for your specific vehicle by consulting the owner’s manual or the vehicle’s infotainment settings, since even within the same model year DRL implementations can differ by trim or region.
How to verify and adjust DRL behavior
If you’re unsure how DRLs behave on your car, use these checks and settings to verify and adjust if available:
- Test with the ignition on: Start the car or switch to Run and observe whether the DRLs illuminate automatically with the daytime running mode.
- Look for a DRL or Auto Headlights setting: Check the instrument cluster or the vehicle’s settings menu for “DRL,” “Daytime Running Lights,” or “Auto Headlights” options.
- Check the manual or dealer guidance: Some models allow you to disable DRLs or switch between DRL and full-headlight modes; others do not.
- Inspect for a dedicated DRL switch: A few cars have a separate control on the dash or console to enable or disable DRLs independently of other lighting functions.
Understanding your car’s configuration helps ensure you comply with local daylight visibility norms and safety expectations.
Safety, legality, and best practices
Having DRLs activated during daytime is generally considered a safety feature intended to improve visibility of the vehicle to others. In regions where DRLs are mandated, driving without them can be illegal or draw penalties. If you’re unsure about the rules where you drive, rely on automatic DRL workflows or consult local traffic authorities.
Summary
Daytime running lights commonly come on automatically in modern vehicles, often as soon as the engine is started or the ignition is in Run. However, the exact behavior varies by vehicle and by region. Some cars offer manual control or rely on auto-headlight systems. To know for sure, check your owner’s manual or your car’s lighting settings. As a practical rule, expect automatic DRLs on most new cars, and verify if your model uses separate DRLs, auto headlights, or manual switches.
